Optometric Assistant Part Time

VisionWorks; Town of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 23,419 - 35,128; Part time

Job summary

VisionWorks is seeking a Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant in Potsdam, New York, to enhance patient experiences through active support during examinations. Responsibilities include preparing patients, conducting diagnostic tests, and assisting optometrists.

This part-time role offers flexible scheduling and a pay range from $17 to $25.50 per hour based on experience, with additional incentives available.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience in optical or healthcare preferred.
• Medical office professionalism required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for examination and conduct pre-exam tests.
• Assist with patient care and maintain accurate records.
• Answer patients' clinical questions and triage emergencies.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Team player

Problem-solving ability

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience

Job description

Overview

The Clinical Specialist/Optometric Assistant is primarily responsible for helping ensure a great patient experience by preparing the patient for onsite and/or remote examination, completing pre‑exam diagnostic tests, and explaining each step of the process. The Clinical Specialist acts as a liaison between our patients and Optometrists and participates in the initial steps of a patient journey.

Pay Class

Part Time

Pay Rate

$17 to $25.50 per hour

Responsibilities

• Complete patient registration, gathering and submitting pertinent patient information including medical history and ocular health data into EMR.
• Assist onsite doctor with patient care and eye examinations; clearly explain the preliminary testing process to patients, administer each preliminary test and accurately document the results in EMR.
• For patients with remote appointments, assist patients through the remote eye‑exam process:
• Pre‑testing and specialty testing, and accurately documenting results in EMR.
• Initiate remote technician and remote doctor video conferencing.
• Assist remote doctor and remote technician to complete additional testing required for a remote exam.
• After exam completion, transition the patient to a retail associate, conveying the recommendations of the doctor to the retail associate.
• Have a strong understanding of MVC plans and be able to articulate plan benefits to patients.
• Preauthorise insurance in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• In partnership with the retail associates, schedule appointments and manage exam books according to company guidelines, including contacting no‑shows and cancellations.
• Maintain patient flow to allow for doctor effectiveness.
• Answer patients' clinical questions in person and over the telephone; triage ocular emergencies and schedule annual eye exams.
• Maintain complete and accurate patient records according to company standards.
• Instruct patients on the insertion, removal, cleaning, care, and proper handling of their contact lenses.
• Place diagnostic contact lens orders for patients and stock; notify patients when their contact lenses are available for dispensing.
• Have a working knowledge of contact lens brands and parameters; accurately pull contact lens trials when requested by the doctor.
• Ensure a clean and healthy environment for our patients by maintaining doctor equipment and clinical supplies and ensuring equipment is covered nightly.
• Participate in specialized training of all responsibilities and complete required clinical certification(s).
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet changing business demands, including travelling to other locations.

Education and Experience

One (1) year of related experience.

Optical or Healthcare background preferred.

Medical office/business professionalism required.

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related job experience.

Training provided.

Behavioral Characteristics

• Ability to initiate immediate interaction, coordination, and collaboration with patients and team members.
• Very detail‑oriented and well organized.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other associates and patients.
• Work under stress with interruptions and deadlines.
• Energetic and self‑motivated.
• Team player.
• Excelling problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Exhibit empathy in all interactions.
• Ability to read, analyse and interpret insurance forms.
• Follow procedures and instructions.
• Operate and enter data into electronic software platforms efficiently and accurately.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The job requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands to handle instruments, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing occasionally, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking or hearing, and clear vision at 20 inches or less. The employee may need to lift or move up to 20 pounds. Noise level moderate.

HIPAA & Security Requirements

All associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures. Associates may have access to covered information, cardholder data or other confidential customer information which must be protected at all times. Associates must explicitly adhere to all data security guidelines established within the company’s Privacy & Security Training Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

VSP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law.

Union Position Compensation

Position provides competitive pay and benefits. Specific terms are set forth in the company’s collective bargaining agreement with a minimum pay rate of $17 per hour plus incentive. Starting pay may vary based on experience to a maximum of $25.50 per hour. Incentive pay, wage upgrades, and overtime opportunities also available.